Smooth, grainy, soothing or muddy, moist, cracked or hot, hard, and stony. There are a wide variety of sand textures on the beach and the characteristics of each can widely determine your experience. Read on to learn about the variety of tantalizing textures found at the beaches of your very own central coast.

Oceano Dunes State Beach

Oceano Dunes State Beach is one of the most unique beaches in California. Widely known for it’s features, scientists, conservationists, government agencies, and the public recognize Oceano State Dunes Beach as having the finest coastal dunes in California. It’s like pillowy powder softness beneath the soles of your feet. As awesome as it is for your feet, driving isn’t always an easy task – getting stuck in the sand is almost instant! If you want a beach that’s got vibrant activity, super soft texture under your feet, then make sure to check out Oceano!

Pismo Beach

The sand texture at Pismo is as smooth as polished glass, sometimes called Mason Sand, and is a recognizable feeling between the toes. It is perfect to lay down on during a hot day. This condition makes it ideal to play a game of volleyball, or heat yourself up after splashing in the cool waves. The sand also makes it perfect for building sandcastles.

Moonstone Beach, Cambria

Want an instant foot massage? Then definitely head out to the beaches of Cambria. Here the sand is more like softly polished tiny pebbles. It takes some getting used to but once you get the hang of it, you’ll really enjoy the gentle massage and exfoliating properties of Cambria’s beaches. These tiny pebbles also make Moonstone Beach an ideal location to spend the day jamming on a pair of African drums.

Got some other sand texture experiences you want to share? Please do so. We’d love to hear all about them.